Strengthen spleen and replenish qi (Jianpi Yiqi)

"Strengthen spleen and replenish qi" (Jianpi Yiqi) is a central therapeutic principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) rather than a single molecular target like a receptor or enzyme. It is used to address "Spleen Qi Deficiency," a syndrome characterized by impaired digestion, chronic fatigue, and weakened immunity. In a biological context, this principle involves the use of herbal formulas that modulate complex signaling networks, including the TLR4/NF-κB and TAK1/MAPK pathways, to reduce inflammation and enhance gastrointestinal mucosal integrity. Research indicates that therapies following this principle can regulate the Th17/Treg immune balance and increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels while decreasing cGMP, thereby improving metabolic efficiency. Clinically, it is applied as an adjunctive therapy for conditions such as chronic atrophic gastritis, myasthenia gravis, and cancer-related cachexia. While it provides a holistic framework for treatment, the pharmacological effects are mediated by multiple active compounds within herbal mixtures rather than a specific protein target.

Other names

Jianpi YiqiTonifying the spleen and augmenting qiSpleen-strengthening and Qi-replenishingStrengthening the spleen and supplementing qi

Enhances immune function by modulating T-lymphocyte and NK cell activity, inhibits inflammatory pathways such as TLR4/NF-κB and TAK1/MAPK, and regulates cyclic nucleoside levels to improve metabolism and gastrointestinal function.